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hundred 
years 


—————————————— 


FROM THE PLANK ROAD 
TO THE MOON FLIGHT 


As we celebrate the Plainwell Centen- 
nial, our minds travel pleasantly back- 
ward through the ‘Time Machine’ of 
old photographs, documents and early 
American costumes, to Plainwell of 
one hundred years ago. At this time 
our town was a bustling pioneer settle- 
ment on the banks of the Kalamazoo 
River at the intersection of a ‘plank 
road’ from Kalamazoo to Grand Ra- 
pids and another from Allegan. 

During the preparation of this book, 
we glanced up many times from the 
stacks of dog-eared photographs of an- 
other era to keep an anxious eye on 
the television. Our concern, as well as 
that of all the world, was with three 
American astronauts who were un- 
believably bivouacking on the surface 
of the moon. 

‘A giant step for mankind’ were the 
now historic words of the first human 
to ever step foot on ground other than 
earth’s. An even greater step when 
considering the technological progress 
of the human race accomplished since 
the horse and buggy, plank road days 


of one hundred years ago. 


HISTORY 


Information for thts history gathered 
from Allegan & Barry County history 
book dated 1880. 


PLAINWELL FIRST NAMED PLAINFIELD 


Platnfteld was the first recognized 
name of Platnwell. Close to the 
Kalamazoo River there were large 
elearances covered only wtth meadow 
grass and these were known as plains, 
consequently, Plainfteld. However, 
when the etty was to be tneorporated, 
tt was dtscovered there was another 
Plainfteld near Grand Raptds, so the 
name was changed to Plainwell. Many 
restdents felt the name Platnwell 
lacked distinction, as many letters 
came tn addressed to Plainfield, 
Plainville, Plainview, etc. To 

thts day, Platnwell ts the only 

etty tn the Untted States 

named such. 


The village of Plainwell, an incorp- 
orated municipality of about 1,650 in- 
habitants, is pleasantly situated on 
both banks of the Kalamazoo River. It 
is also a station of importance on the 
lines of the Grand Rapids and Indiana 


and the Kalamazoo division of the Lake- 


Shore and Michigan Southern Railroads, 
which roads here cross each other. By 
rail it is a distance of 12 miles from 
Kalamazoo, 36 miles from Grand Rapids, 
and 13 miles from Allegan, the county- 
seat. 


The early residents in its vicinity 
were William Still, John Anderson, 
William Chart, William Woodhams, and 
George Kennicott. 


TAR DW AR 
Fy 


Above ts a rare photo of the 
Plank road at South Main 
Street, Platnwell 


In 1852 began the building of a plank- 
road from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, and 
a branch extending from this point to Al- 
legan. This being the intended junction 
of the two. A man named Wellever estab- 
lished a relay-house, tavern, etc. Conse- 
quently, during the fall of 1853 began 
the construction of the old Plainwell 
House. 


In November 1853, Orson Dunham pur- 
chased Mr. Wellever's tract, and in July 
1854, the Plainwell House was formally 
opened to the public as a place of enter- 
tainment for wearied, hungry men and thus 
began the settlement and business at the 
EJUNCtionwe) | ibicmwas thie oreanormea 


—° oe Pe 


name which the village continued to bear 
until after its incorporation. 


The plank-road was completed in 1854, 
and immediately became a thronged tho- 
roughfare for the hauling of freight, lum- 
ber and farm produce; besides, it was a 
favorite route for stage travel with the 
passengers of seven four-horse stage- 
coaches stopping at this house for dinner. 


inmene tall ok L855, Me. Dunham sold 
his hotel property to Messrs. Mills & 
Merritt, and the name was changed to the 
MMecEUtt House. 


On the 8th day of April 1863, Ira Chi- 
chester surveyed section 29, the west side 
of the river, and a map was recorded as 
the first plat of the village of Plainwell. 


After the plank-road and the success 
attending Patterson, Glynn & Lyon's line 
of stage-coaches, the next impetus given 
the village was the organization of the 
Plainwell Water-Power Company. It was 
formed in the spring of 1856. The race 
was excavated during the summer and fall, 
and a saw-mill completed in the winter 
following, the cost of the first mill 
and race amounted to $3,000. 


INCORPORATION 


Meanwhile, the Lake-Shore and Michigan 
Southern Railroad had been completed to 
this point in 1868. The inhabitants of 
the village had increased to about 1000 
in number. Mr. Winegar had established 
a bank of exchange and brokerage. A 
newspaper, the Plainwell Express was 
about to disseminate news abroad concern- 
ing the doings in the busy village. 


Leading citizens believed that their 
interests would be best promoted and pro- 
tected by a village charter, and during 
the winter of 1868-69, a petition was 
sent to the State Legislature then in 
session. An act was passed for the in- 
corporation of the village of Plainwell 
on March 26, 1869. 


Since its incorporation and the comple- 
tion of the two railroads, the village 
gradually increased in population. Street 
grades were established, miles of side- 
walks were laid, and the Holly system of 
water-works were adopted. 


Old Platnwell House 


First matl deltvery 


Matin four corners late 1800's 


This page sponsored by PREMIERE PRINTING CORPORATION, Plainwell, Michigan 


TIMBER RIDGE SKI AREA, Gobles, Michigan 


FLOUR MILL - ABOUT 1866 


The first flour mill was built 
in Plainwell in 1864 by Bartley 
and Company. After two years 
of operation the mill caught 
fire and burned to the ground. 


YHE FIRST PAPER MILL 


The first paper mill was started in 
Platnwell tn 1872 by Lyon & Page and 
whtle only a small mill, it was the 
necleus of the present large concern 
that represents the prinetple industry 
of the town. 


THE FIRST RAILROAD 


The first ratlroad train cane into 
Platnwell in 1868 over the road known 
as Lake Shore & Michigan Southern. 


THE FIRST FIRE STATION 


When thts pteture was taken, the fire 
statton, which was later the town hall, 
stood on Hicks Park. The wooden building 
on the right was the first school house 
tn 1869. From left: John Gilkey, Will 
Stewart, William Talbot, William Thomas, 
Frank Smith, George Stiff, Joe Balden, 
Fred King, John Willtams, Milo Chandler, 
Harry Bush and John Tombltnson. 


Thts page sponsored by MICHIGAN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY 
McPHERSON'S DRY CLEANERS, Plainwell, Michigan 
JACKSON ELECTRIC CO., Plainwell, Michigan 


FIRST CHARTER ELECTION The whole number of votes polled were 215, 
and as a result of this election the follow- 
officers were declared elected: Joseph Hicks, 
President; Henry Church, Clerk; Augustus 
Hill, Treasurer; William Still, James Hyde, 
Giles Sherwood, William Ripley, D. Kenyon, 
Abel Dunham, Trustees; Carrick Randall, 


Marshal. 


a ee 


Pursuant to the provisions of their 
charter, the qualified electors of the 
village assembled at the Plainwell House 
Monday, March 29, 1869, and from among 
their number Henry Keeler, Eli Hart, and 
Jacob Rogers were chosen election judges. 


ene 


Anderson, John 
Anderson, Geo. 
Anderson & Gifford 
(Merchants) 
Adams, Charles 
Ainsworth, Theron 
Alford, S. N. 
(Grocer) 
Anaway, Nathan 
Atehinson, J.H., Prop. 
(Platnwell House) 
Adams, Dr. EB. C. 
Anaway, Harvey 
Allen, Alexander 
Baleh, A. B. 
Bradley, Orrin 
Brigham, John 
Brigham, Stillman 
Butts, Reuben 
Broun, John 
Bannister, J. C. 
Brown, O. E. 
Ball, Clara 
Buehanan, John 
Bird, James B. 
Buchanan, A. E. 
Buchanan, George 
Bliss, George 
Beckwith, Ransom 
Brigham, Eben. 
Bean, George 
Boyer, James 
Burgess, Erastus 
Bradley, Samuel 
Chamberlin Bros. 
(Bakers) 
Conrad, Jacob 
Crump, R. O. 
Cline, Lydia M. 
Clark, Willtan 
Cushman, M. E. 
Cox, William 
Crispe, John 
Cartwright, Geo. 


Crispe, Edward 
Cox & Crispe 
(Druggists) 
Corbyn, S. H. 
(Saw Mill) 
Corey, Caroline 
Countryman, P.S. 
Chambers, T. 
(Grocer) 
Curtis, -Tohn 
Crawford, Alex 
Chandler, R. 
Clement & Ritchte 
Cummings, Parmilla 
Cook, J. B. 
Chart, Mary 
Campbell, Albert H. 
Corliss, G. W. 
Diboll, W. H. 
Daniels, C. d. 
Dunham, Orley 
Dunham, A. S. 
Day, Henry 
Drayton, Lyman 
Dunham, C. H. 
Dunham, A. G. 
Dwight, C. G. 
Davis, David 
Dunham, Orson 
Dennts, John 
Dougal, James 3. 
Dantels, Dr. L. A. 
Dodge, Albert 
Edson, Edmond 
Earle, Henry 
Eldred, D. P. 
Earle, Benjamin 
Emerick, Laura 
Fuller, A. N. 
Fletcher, Rev. John 
Ferguson, Ruth 
Fisher, William L. 
Faygar, John 
Fenner, R. B. 


Forbes, John 


Forbes, John, Jr. 


Fuller, David 
Forbes, Janes 
Fox, Mrs. 
Green, Peter 
Gooddale, C. F. 
Gleason, Lewis 
Gilkey, Mrs. 
Goldsmith, Mrs. 
Glenville, Wm. 
Bal, As Dl 
Harding, A. 
Holmes, Mortimer 
Hay, William 
Hatfield, Peter 
Houghton, W. S. 
Howard, Samuel 
Hart, J. J. 
Hawks, Janes 
Howe, Wesley 
Hart, Eli 

Hall, Andrew 
Hatfield, Geo. 
Hieks, Joseph W. 
Hyder, E. 
Hopkins, Susan 
Hume, Dr. E. M. 
Hayes, Fred A. 
Hamlin, Mary P. 
Hawks, John 
Haffart, Allen 
Horne, George 
Ingraham, Daniel 
Ives, C.W. 
ives, Mrs. C.S. 


Ives, J.C. &C.S. 


(Merchants) 
Ives, Jultum C. 
Johnson, Judson 
James, E.W. 
Johnson, Willian 
Johnston, George 
King, J.T. 


Haying on Gun Plains 


Koeh, William 
Knowlton, John 
Kellogg, Norton 
Kenyon, D.C. 
Kimball, John A. 
Krouse Bros. 
(Boots & Shoes) 
Loekhart, Frank 
Lent, John 
Lockhart, John 
Lantz, H.H. 
(Miller) 
Lasher, J.H. 
Lasher, Mary R. 
Linton, John 
Mosher, William 
McCarthy, J. 
Morris, Foot 
Mallory, E.W. 


MeMartin, Rev. Peter A. 


Monroe, J. d. 
Martin, John S. 
McHenry, Geo. 
Monroe, Squire 
Mills, George 
Monroe, B. F. 
Male, John 
Masson, George 
Martin, James 
Manley, Willtam 
Manley, Adrian 
Madden, John H. 
McNeil, Phil 
Newton, I. & Son 
Osborne, Mrs. 
Owen, Jesse 
Patterson & Kellogg 
(Planing Mill) 
Pangburn, Jerome 
Pangburn, Charles 
Pierson, Simon 
Peters, Dr. J. D. 
Pierson & Co. 
(Planing Mill) 


a \a 


Pratt, George W. 
Rounds, Oztel 
Rauf, Peter 
Rogers, J. V.(att.y) 
Rouse, Warren 
Randall, C. B. 
Russell, 7. DL. 
Ross, J.L. 
Rouse, Jonas 
Robbins, H. 
Ripley, William L. 
(merehant) 
Riehmond, Alonzo 
Root, Edward kK. 
Russell, R.D. 
Starr, Willian 
Starr, Charles 
Stoddard & Hay 
(Merchants) 
Sheldon & Poore 
Sherwood, Giles 
Smtth, Johnson 
Spaulding, L. 
Spaulding, Electa 
Still, Willtan 
Shults, H.W. 
Shafer, E.S. 
(Baker) 
Smtth. I.D- 
Stsson & Bartley 
(Grist & Saw-Mills) 
Stafford, Silas 
(Attorney) 
Smith, Moses 
Stearnes, Mary B. 
Stearnes, P.S. 
Sherman, Seth 
Snow, Almira M. 
Sternberg, John 
Sehoonmaker, B. 
Scott, H.k. 
Sisson, Orrin 
Sherman, Eddy 
(Merchant) 


3 
. The names of the tax-paying inhabitants of the village in June 1869, were as follows: 
| 


Smith, C.H. 
Stoddart, H.L. 
Spencer, E. 

(Grocer) 

Storms, Williams 
Tinny, L. 

(Butlder) 
Terrell, Mrs. 
Tapscott, Mrs. 
Townsend, Abel 
Truatt, Willian 
Treffrey, Robert 
Talbot, Willian 
Thompson, Dr. Benjanin 
Truax, Joseph 
Taleott, Z. 

Van Horn, George 
Van Patten, Benjamin 
Woodhams, William H. 
Woodhams, Walter W. 
Woodhams, Josiah 
Woodhams, Frederick 
Webster, Charles F. 
Winegar & Soule 

(Bankers) 

Woodard & Monroe 

(Merchants) 
Whitcomb, Laura 
Warner Ebenezer 
Washington, John 

(Barber) 

Webster, John 
Warrant, William C. 
Wellever, Abram 
Woodhams, Mary 
Wightman, Ira 
Walker, W.A. 
Wright, James 
Woodhams, F. & J.H. 
Wilkinson & Shourds 

(Tin & Hardware) 
Wing, 

Woodard, 0.d. 
Yates, Dr. 0.E. 


Memoirs of 
Sophia Bush 


TAKEN FROM THE MEMORIES OF MRS. SOPHIA BUSH 
WRITTEN IN HER 88TH YEAR 
1908 


In August 1839, Sophia Sutherland satled 
from Scotland to America with Mr. John Forbes 


to vtstt her brother who restded tn Gun Plains. 


They satled on the "Independent", whtch was 
classed as one of the fastest satling vessels 
tn the Atlantic. At that time there were but 
few steamers on the ocean as people were af- 
raid to rtsk thetr lives on the water with 
the new steam engines. The trtp from Liver- 
pool to New York took four weeks. 


From New York Ctty they traveled by shtp 
to Albany, New York, and there boarded a 
canal boat for Buffalo. From Buffalo, they 
satled on the "Constttutton" to Detroit. 
Between Detroit and Ann Arbor they travel- 
ed by train, and at Ann Arbor Mr. Forbes 
htred a man with a team of oxen to take 
them to Rtchland. 


On thts leg of their journey, they pass- 
ed through dense forests and Inns were few 
and far between. Jackson, Marshall and 
Battle Creek were mere hamlets. They Stop- 
ped at Gull Prairie at a Mr. kirkland's and 


he brought them to Gun Plains to the Forbes 
home, whteh was later known as the Watt Farm. 
There were no inhabitants between Spring 
Brook and Stlver Creek. Travel was dtffi- 
cult and many times the wagon went down to 
the hub in muck. 
} 


Miss Sutherland had braved the dangers of | 
the ocean for a brother who was very dear to | 
her and found on her arrival he had passed 
away suddenly. He had dted on the l0th of 
the month and she had left Seotland the 22nd. 
Could they have communicated in those days — 
she would never have come to Amertca. 


In 1832 Willtam Forbes purchased 180 acres’ 
on Gun Plains from a government surveyor. 
The east 80, whitch lay dtrectly west of 
where the White School now stands. was part- 
ly pratrte. Calvin White also purchased a 
government tract east of Mr. Forbes. Part 
of the land was pratrte and oak openings. 


There were friendly Indtans upon the land 
at that time. They lived tn wigwams and gre\ 
a small amount of corn. They weaved baskets) 
hunted and fished, swapping ventson and ftsh' 
for flour and pork. They would say, "Flour, 
napanee, pork, cucush,--how swap?". In the 
fall they went to Martin, but continued to | 
come to thetr old camping ground by Gun 
River. 

In the early 1800's the Great Terrttortal 
Road ran from Detroit to Allegan and the 
mouth of the river, passing through Gull 
Pratrte, Gun Plains, Otsego and Allegan. 
Lehman Orton, Mr. Ives and Dr. Cyrentus 
Thompson all owned land on both stdes of 
the old Terrttortal Road. The ptoneer 
cemetary, now Woodside, was given to the 
town by Dr. Thompson and Mr. Dumont. 


Toward the Kalamazoo River lay the farm 
of Giles Sherwood and adjoining it that 
of Judge John Anderson. On the south stde 
of the River, Thomas Warrant lived with 
hts coustn, Wtlltam Warrant. Thomas War- 
rant set out those magnificent maples 
that overhang the Otsego Road and George 
Kenntcott and Willtam Still did the same 
publte spirited service for South River 
Street tn Platnwell. These great trees 
are grand monuments to the memortes to 
this day. 


Pioneers tn Gun Platns had many pleasant 
times. In those days everyone depended on 
the Marsh hay for their stoek and made a 
business of cutting it. They camped out 
while dotng this and tt was not unusual 
for workers to find snakes in thetr boots 
tn the morning. In later years the people 


| 


ratsed clover and hay of their own. 


They had a holiday in August when the 
oats were cut - a wagonload would go to 
Martin Corners blackberrytng and would 
take thetr lunch. They also ptcked 
whortle berrtes. 


When attending Wedding receptions, the 
ptoneers had to travel in the dayltght as 
there were no latd roads and the way was 
tndteated by blazing trees. As sleeping 
accommodations were limtted the merry- 
making was prolonged unttl morning. 


In July 1840 a great politteal rally 
was held in Kalamazoo for the campatgn 
of Harrison and VanBuren. Many attend- 
ed from the plains. There were many 
fine speeches and a dinner was provtded. 
A bullock was roasted and corn cakes 
were cooked before a blazing open fire. 
Harrison was called a hard ctder man 
and many barrels adorned the log cabin 
erected for the occaston. There were 
two bands of martial muste composed 
of veterans from the War of 1812. 


A successful revival was held tn the 
autumn of 1839 by Elder Munger and Dea- 
con Brigham. In the spring of 1840 a 
number of persons were baptised at the 
mtLl dam near the schoolhouse. 


At gathertngs and get-togethers in the 
winter months tn the absence of flowers 
evergreens were used tn the decorations. 
Crimson swamp berrtes and popcorn were 
gracefully strung on strings and gatly 
adorned the evergreens. 


In 1838, Charles Bush and John Watson 
made a prospecting trtp to Grand Raptds. 
They traveled afoot. There was no road, 
so they prepared themselves with food, as 
they knew they would have to lodge tn the 
woods. They found a ptne thicket, cut 
boughs to sleep upon, made a fire and pre- 


pared thetr supper with the bread and pork 


they had brought with them. 


They slept the night through undisturbed 
by wild animals and reached the Raptds the 
next day. The place was then tn tts in- 
faney, wtth one or two mills and but few 
tnhabttants. 


When Sophia Bush first came to Mtchigan 
territory, wild animals abounded and the 
hunting was good. In 184l Curtis Brigham 
eaptured a wolf in a trap made of logs. 
Mr. Watson that year slaughtered deer, 
turkeys, wildeats and all sorts of game. 
John Robtnson killed a good many deer in 


1842. He was known to kill three deer tn 

a forenoon. The deer had thetr runways 
between the hills on the east stde of the 
platns and the Kalamazoo river. It was all 
woods and wild then. About thts same time 
John Montetth shot a bear near hts home. 


In the spring of 1840 they went to Kala- 
mazoo to buy household goods. That village 
had but few stores then and these carrted 
but small stocks. 


Good ftshing ts provided by the kalama- 
z00 River, whtch goes meandering by-- 
"Fringed with all kinds of 
timber that everyone knew, 
All growing on the banks 
of the Kalamazoo." 


The well-ftlled cellars, the large woodptle, 
the cozy corner indoors with tts papers, 
books and magazines. Verily, he ts "monarch 
of all he surveys". The farmer ts the bone 
and sinew of the country and, tf not tn debt, 
he ts the equal of any of the mtlltonatres 
of today, as good as they are, and rather 
more honest. Such were the homes on Gun 
Platns in the early days. 


The husking bees were prominent among 
the soctal enjoyments of the ptoneers. 
They were attended by young and old. The 
huskers worked in a barn and were divided 
into groups, they told stortes, talked of 
erops, polittes, current events, etc. 
When thetr work was done they partook of 
apple and mtnce ptes, frtedcakes, cheese 
and sweet ctder. 


Ranking next in popularity were the apple 
paring bees, which were attended mostly by 
the young people. Each laddte brought his 
lasste and they strived to take the skin 
off an apple in one long paring. The lasste 
would throw the paring over her left shoulder 
and tf tt did not break the game was a suc- 
cess and her wish would come true. Lads 
and lasstes would drink from the same glass 
and in those days you were well supplted tf 
you had but a dozen glasses. 


The Gun Plains ladtes also enjoyed quilt- 
tings and patchwork was quilted in leaf, shell 
and checkwork. 


Who can say that life on the Platns was 
not a drama? Back through a vista of years 
just vtsualtze the homes and tnhabitants-- 
the woodman tn his shirt sleeves and buck- 
skin mittens (worn even in meeting) to the 
Indian in his blanket and moccastns. Back 
100 years ago -- plenty of "food" for any- 
one's tmagtnatton! 


Thanksgiving “Jip ee 


e / 
R Y I. R A NS ee 
Are best enjoyed witha } t 
EARL PORTATION fepeteicret he RON 
build 50 styles; allgood. = ——s 
Built on honor, quality 
first, in our own factory. Best broadcloth, whipcord 
and puee trimmings. Hand painted and ‘decorated. 
Steel bracing. Spring seats and backs. 
The onl Cutter and Sleigh Manufac- _| Special Prices 
turers Selling DIRECT fo the USER for November 
Tet us send you our catalog and the beautiful poem | (rders, 
“\SNOWBOUND.”” 


KALAMAZOO CARRIAGE AND HARNESS COMPANY 
801 Ransome Street. Kalamazoo, Mich. 


HORSE RACING AT PLAINWELL FAIRGROUNDS AND GRANDSTAND 
One-time matin attraction comparable to Allegan's Fairgrounds today. 


PLAINWELL'S MILKMAN 
John Price owned and operated 


the South Main Street Dairy. et 


MAIN 
BTREET. 


In the 1900's the BUS LINE 
"taxted" passengers to and 
from the depot. It was lo- 
cated in the Livery Barnes 
whitch ts now the Ctty Park- 
tng lot behind KAY'S VARIETY 
and GORES' HARDWARE. 


Patterson, Glynn & Lyon's 
Stagecoach tn front of THE 
PLAINWELL HOUSE, unloading 
passengers at the "Junetton" 
for the Allegan turn-off on 
the Plank Road tn 1859. THE 
PLAINWELL HOUSE was located 
on the northwest corner of 
Matn and Allegan Streets. 


"A SUNDAY AFTERNOON OUTING" 


ON THE CORNERS OF ALLEGAN AND 
MILL STREETS. A farmer on hts 
way to MICHIGAN PAPER COMPANY 
for a load of ctnders used for 
repatring roads and driveways. 


manufacturer of and dealer in 


FINE HARNESS, 


HORSEMEN'S GOODS, 


_ A nice lino of Light and Heavy 
| double and Single Harness. 


ROAD SCRAPER tn 1900 grading 
oid "gravel" US-l3l Htghway 
South of Plainwell. 


Plainwell 
City of Bridges 


The business section 
of the city is located 
on an island. 

In order to travel 
into or through 

you have to cross 

au pisaGigier. 

Plainwell has had 
many bridges in 

its day: wooden, 
steel and cement. 
Besides six auto 
bridges, Plainwell 
also has two 
railroad bridges. 


Butlding the Old Plank Bridge, 1870 


The heyday of the Plank Bridge 


The first bridge in Plain- 

well was the Plank Road Bridge 
built in 1853. This bridge com- 
pleted the plank road which linked 
Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids. ‘Plain- 
well was the junction point of 
this road and the territorial 
plank road to Allegan. 

In 1903 when ice and spring 

thaws caused the plank bridge to 
collapse, it was replaced by a 
new concrete bridge. 


THE CONCRETE BRIDGE 

OF 1903. Thts bridge 
was lighted by huge 
glass globes mounted 
on tall cement pillars. 
Tt was replaced by our 
present bridge in 1942. 


This page sponsored by ANGLE STEEL, INC., 323 Acorn, Plainwell, Michigan 


Mill Race Bridges 


The mill race was dug in 1856 

by the Plainwell Water Power 
Company which was formed for 
that purpose. The total cost 

of the race and the first mill 
(saw mild) wais! $3000)-00). 

Some of the first industry 

on the race was a grist mill, a 
planing mill, saw mill, and 

sl Wo) Gy ay v1 OO 

The building of the race en- 
couraged many businesses and 
settlers to Plainwell. The 
population just after the Civil 
War had climbed to 200. 

Three identical steel bridges 
were purchased to cross the race 
on Allegan Street, Bridge Street, 
and Main Street. 


eS See Na Geese 


OLD IRON BRIDGE, HAST SIDE — gave way to progress in 1948. 


LOOK FAMILIAR? 

Coming tnto town from 
Otsego across the 
Allegan Street bridge, 
sttll in extstence 
today. About 1940. 


Thts page sponsored by WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY, Paper Division, Plainwell, Michigan 


————— = 


FIRST MAP OF INCORPORATED VILLAGE — 


8 STATA TT 


Plainwell Business Directory. 


BANK. 
Winegar & Soule, Bankers. 


ATTORNEYS AT LAW. 
Stafford & Padgham, Attorneys and Counsellors at 


Law. * 
Daniel Warle, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 
J. V. Rogers, Attorney and Counsellor at Law. 


JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, NOTARY 
REPUBLICS, REAL ESTATE AND 
COLLECTING AGENTS. 


0. J. Woodard, Notary Repubiic, Conveyancer, Real 
Estate, Insurance and Express Agent. 

Bronson Schoonmaker, Justice of the Peace, Collector, 
Conveyancer, ke. 

John Anderson, Real Estate Agentand Money Broker. 

J.T. Curtis, Real Estate Agent and Retired Farmer. 

A. H. Hill, Real Estate Agent and Farmer. 


HLA! HLS Ta? SLAY Sal ae st 


DEALERS IN HARDWARE AND AGRI- 
CULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 


Chas. Bingham, dealer in Hardware, Stoves, Tinware, 
Cutlery, &c. Job Work in my line praimptiy at- 
tended to. 

Adams & Field, dealers in Hardware Iron, Stoves and 
Shelf Goods, Fine Table and Pocket Catlery, Ra- 
zars, Scissors, &e. A full Stock of Agricultural 
Implements, all kinds of ‘Cinware,and do Job- 
bing and Repairing on short notice. 

Jonas Rouse, dealer in all kinds of Agricultural [m~ 
plements. 

Wm. Cox, dealer in Agricultural Implements. 


5 | DRY GOODS AND GROCERIES. 


J. W. Brock, dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots, 
Shoes, Hats and Caps, Crockery, Notions, &c.—all 
Goods sold cheap for cash. 

Gilkey & Woodhains, dealers in Choices Family Gro- 
ceries and Provisions, Fine Leas, Sugars, &c. of 
all kinds constantly on hand. 

Monroe & Hart, dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries. No- 
tiens, £c. - 

Chamberlin Brothers, dealers in Choice Faraily Gro- 
ceries, Bukery and Confectionery. 

A. Jaineson, dealer in Choice Family Groceries, also 
Postmaster at Silver Creek. 


DRUGS, PAINTS, OILS, BOOKS, STA- 
TIONERY. 


Adams & Lillibridge, dealers in Pure Drags, Medi- 
cines, Chemicals, Dyestuffs, Perfumery and Toilet 


Articles. 

Morrison Bailey, Druggist and Apothecary, No. 57 
Main st. 

F. A. ayes, dealer in Books and Stationery, also 
Postmaster. 


C. M. Giles, Bookseller and Stationer, School Books 
and School Material, Toy Books. Albums, Bibles, 
and a full line of Choice Books and Stationery at 
low prices, Toys, Notions, &c. 

Geo. H. Bean, dealer in Paints. Orls, Glass, Wall Paper, 
Sash, Doors, Varnishes aud General Paints. 


BLACKSMITHS AND CARRIAGE MA- 
KERS. 


W. A. Walker, Blacksmith and Carriage Maker. 
Special attention paid to Worse Shueing, and all 
job work im my line. 

Wm. B. Forbs, Proprietor of Blacksmith and Carriage 
Shop. Special attention given to Horse Shoring, 
also job work done to order. 

R. D. Ruvsell, manufacturer of Carriages, Wagons and 
Sleighs, all kinds of Costom Work done on short 
notice—ull Repairing done promptly. 


HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS. 


A. B. Sabins, Proprietor of Plainwell House. Good 
Livery attached. 

E. C. Mason & Arnold, Proprietors of National Hotel. 

James Male, Proprietor of Restaurant, near R. R, 
Depot. x 

T. L. Russell, Proprietor of the Russell House. 

John Forbes & Co. Proprietor of Restaurant and Bill- 
iard Room. 


FLOURING MILLS, AND DEALERS IN 
LUMBER, SASH, DOORS, BLINDS, &c. 


H. H. Uantz, Proprietor of Plainwell Miils, Cash paid 
for all kinds of Grain. Feed and Flour constantly 
on bend. Also Custom Grinding promptly done 

J. A. Kimble, dealer in all kinds of Lumber, Lath, 
Shingles, Lime and Plaster, also all kinds of Pro- 
duce. 

Geo. H. Richards, dealer in and Shipper of Lumber. 

Clark & Cressy, manufacturers of Mouldings, Flooring, 

“Siding, Sash, Doors, Blinds, Window and Door 
Frames, Planing and Scroll Sawing promptly done 

S. TI. Corbyn, dealer in Hardwood, Lumber,—Custom 

Sawing done, cash prid for Saw Logs. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


I. D, Bmith, Photographs and Pictures taken in all 
kinds of weather, and satisfaction guaranteed. 

A. 8. Deyve, dealer in Organs and Pianos. 

Benjamin Thompson, Physician and Surgeon, Resi- 
dence 36 Anderaon st. 

Wm. Dobbs, Wholesale and Retail dealer in Boots 
wud Shoes, Leather and Findings. Cash paid for 
Hides, Pelts, Furs, &c. 65 Main st. 

J. UL. Cullom, Proprietor of Meat Market, Sait and 
Fresh Meat constantly on hand. 

Geo. A. Van Horn, Retired Methodist Minister, also 
Farmer. 

James Hawkes, Dair “man and Farmer, 12 mile South 
of Plainwell. 


iia ANAT a lM ae ee Me 


WI, 


(Cin Plate Twp) 


Scale 265 hods toan Lreh. 


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INCLUDING PLAINWELL BUSINESS DIRECTORY, 1873 


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RAILROADS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE GROWTH OF OUR CITY 


In 1868 the Lake Shore and 
Michigan Southern Railroad was 
built and ran from northern 
Indiana to Grand Rapids via 
Otsego-Allegan-Hopkins. It 
soon became evident that the 
southwest part of Gun Plain 
was to be a business center 
and the G R & I railroad was 
completed in 1870 running 
north from Elkhart, Indiana, 
to Grand Rapids, Michigan. 
These two railroads formed a 
junction in Plainwell, another 
reason for the growth of our 
town. 


GR & I RAILWAY DEPOT-- 
The day after the fire. 
This depot was replaced 
by the Pennsylvanta 
Ratlway Depot. 

(lower left) 


PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD DEPOT # 


Sh 


This page sponsored by RAY McLEOD, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
SUN THEATRE, Plainwell, Michigan 
131 DRIVE-IN THEATRE, Plainwell, Michigan 


A dangerous junction was formed by the crossing of the Interurban 
and the G R & I railroad. Because of this, the manual control on the 
left was replaced by the automatic interlocking switch system at 
the right. 


THE INTERURBAN ELECTRIC RAILROAD ERA 
In approximately 1914, the interurban electric train came into being, 
busily shuttling passengers and freight from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids 
and servicing those small towns in between. This era was short lived, 
ending with the depression. 


This page sponsored by TWO CITIES MOTEL, West M-89, Plainwell, Michigan 
CUNNINGHAM NURSING HOME, INC., Plainwell, Michigan 
PARIS BAKERY, Plainwell, Michigan 


LODGING 


Platnwell's Lodging Days began 
with the btrth of the town. Horse 
and Buggy travel was slow and over 
night accommodations were of utmost 
importance along main traveled 
routes such as the Plank Road 
oF wie 1800'S. 


The RED BRICK HOUSE, butlt tn 
1847 by Calvin White, was the 
first lodging avatlable tn 
our vicinity. 


The first business actually 
butlt tn the vtllage was the 
PLAINWELL HOUSE (after which 
the village was named), which 
was opened to the publte in 
1854 by Orson D. Dunham. As 
many as seven four-horse stage- 
coaches have been tted up in 
front of the PLAINWELL HOUSE 
in a single day, while the 
weary passengers and crew 
enjoyed dinner tnside. 


WHITNEY TAVERN 


A substdtary of the 
Whitney Hotel (page 
19) whtch served 
beer, wine, ltquor, 
and food, primarily 
to the guests of 
the hotel. This 

ts the only lodge 
of the old era 

that remains to- 
day. We know tt 

as "THE GARDEN 
HOTEL" located on 
North Main Street. 


Se. 
5 
i 
5 ma 
so. 
eee 
3 sm 
ncaa 


es 


The WHITNEY HOUSE, Platnwell, 
Mtehtgan, located on North 
Main Street where Pearson's 
Marathon Statton ts now. 


THE LAWRENCE HOUSE 


The Lawrence House was butlt tn 1874 and served many a traveler during tts' 
years of service to the village. The hotel consisted of 21 rooms besides a 
pool hall and saloon. For many years the top floor was used for dancing and 
later converted to space for more rooms. In early 1930 the butlding 

was torn down. During demolttton of the butlding, 
huge planks were discovered, 24" wide 

and 30 ft. long. They don't grow 
them ltke that anymore. 


3 All .We Ask is : 
- a Trial 
=: The tea will do the rest. 
Chase & Sanborn’s 
} Seal Brand , 
5 


Machemer & Son 


Phone 81. Bridge Street. 


e t) 9 


Shaving and 
Hair Cutting 


a Specialty. 
EAST BRIDGE STREET. 


i OF SO a 


Upper Left - Machemer & Son 
Grocery Store located on East 
Bridge Street. 


Upper Right - tnstde Machemer 

& Son Grocery, now stte of 
Platnwell Decorators. 
Center-Henry & Frank Buxton's 
Grocery Store-early 1900,present 
site of Campbell's Drug Store. 
Lower Left-replactng the board- 
walk wtth cement. North Matin 
Street. Early 1900. 


This page sponsored by BOWER'S MACHINE COMPANY, 610 W. Willard St., Kalamazoo, Michigan 
NEWMAN'S ICE CREAM CO., 621 E. Bridge St., Plainwell, Michigan 
PLATNWELL AUTO SUPPLY, Plainwell, Michigan 


Hamp Wright Barber Shop Inside view of the Balden & Hitchcock Clothing Store 
next to Kosters' 5 & L0¢ store 


T BEST e 
We at S. B. Smith oH 
QUEEN QUALITY| W. L. DOUGLAS 


for Ladies. for Men. 
Opera House Block. 


{ 


| inne, y 


re 


: pe ‘ c * a Sang cn 
os : 


I'll bet you didn't know Platnwell had a Shoe Factory in the early 1900's. 
This played an tmportant part in Plainwell's early history. 


CO I Seren 


Wagner & Heath, I 


A. L. NICHOLS, 


DEALERS IN 
DRY GOODS, 
Insurance CARPETS, 
SSS CLOTHING, 
NOTIONS, 
And Real Estate. ea 
Life and Fire Insurance placed with the VALISES, 


GENT’S FURNISHINGS 
PLAINWELL, MICA. 


Best Companies. 
Bell phone 50, WAGNER ee 
4 


We are Up-to-Date I 
e @ 
in Everything. 
Not only in Drugs and Medicines, but Sundries, for instance, 
Perfumes, Atomizers, Toilet Soaps, 
Syringes, Sponges, Stationery, 
Chamois Skins, Combs, 
Hot Water Bags, Face Powders, 
Fishing Tackle, Face Creams, 
Brushes of all Kinds, and Cigars. 


Users of Stationery 


Will appreciate the Excel- 
lence and Moderate Prices 
of our Paper. We always 
aim to be Up to Date. 


The Star Drug Co. 


Call and see us. Your Patronage appreciated. 
q THE MILLER DRUG CO. f 
iow 


: Call t Chapman’s Tonsorial Parlors 
When in need of a Citizens’ State Savings Bank 
SHAVE, HAIRCUT, SHAMPOO OR MASSAGE. é PLAIN RIIE AICO 
North Main Steet. 
LI, ae 


Every Young Person 


. S. Bachelder, 


ye : 
; 
; CENTRAL MARKET. 
BRIDGE STREET. 
Dals Al Hinds of 
Sresh and Salt Nleats. 


DR. C. M. § STUCK 


PHYSICIAN and SURGEON. 


STARTING IN LIFE FOR HIMSELF 


Should Open A bank Aeeount, 


HOWEVER SMALL. 


THE HISTORY OF EVERY FORTUNE BEGINS WITH 
THE FIRST DOLLAR SAVED. 


JOHN N. RANSOM, President. 
J. W. GILKEY, Vice President. A. I. SHEPARD, Cashier. 


Office in Crispe Block. PLAINWELL, MICH. 


> 0 ONAN Sd ld . 
MARRARRRARRRABRRRABRRRARRRRRRRAR RARER ERROR OPDDDOPO SG 


J. H. CLEMENT, 
Dry Goods. 


RARZRAARZARARARARARARARSAH 


TS 


ie STOUT, 


DI 
RASA 


; 
; 
. . Merchant and Custom Milling. . . 


PLAINWELL. 
SAREE AREA AREAL PAGE 
Dealer in Flour, Feed and Ree ea ew | 
all kinds of Grain. See 
Our Brands--Sunshine and Pure Gold. § AGRICULTURAL TOOLS ¢ —_If you buy it of 
Cece depo, —— FInpraham & lravis | 
Speed and Usefulness Improved by Proper Shoeing. BUGGIES, + ’ : . 
+ It’s Right in 
HARNESS, 3 QUALITY 
te ’ 
ef. COPE LA N D, Beas * WEIGHT, 
E tH ¢ MEASURE, 
Xper ors 7, eet 
Pp Cc AEE : STYLE, 
Shoeing. r x ae z and PRICE. 
Our Salesrooms are in Plainwell, but our 
Wagon, Wood and Machine Work. Goods are known Everywhere. 
Agency for Dr. A. C. Daniels’ Horse Medicines. We Me We Me We BV. 
Tis aise aiS ISS 
ee “BEST” e 9 ; 
inc. S& B. Smith’s. | G.H. COPP, D.D.S. 


QUEEN QUALITY | W. L. DOUGLAS DENTIST. 
: _ Teeth extracted without pain by the use of a new anaesthetic called Sumno- 
for Ladies. for Men. Serer own and Bridge Work ao Specialty. and all other work pertaining to my 


pre fession. 


Opera House Block. 


Q.F. Rarreaghs, M.D. 


Corner of MAIN 
ALLEGAN Sts. 


Office in Wagner Block, Plainmwell, Mich. 


“ecammannmensonserns 4 GOODE 


SALE AND EXCHANGE STABLES. 


ALL HIGH GRADE HORSES BOUGHT, SOLD AND EXCHANGED. 


HACK AND COMMERCIAL 


Office, Phone 43—2 rings; House, 43—38rs. 


BUS MEN Sh e d 
BO Lusin LOOKED aving an 
eee eden ae- aIteinen FROM ener tI 55 Cc < 
: . tt 
ALL TRAINS. ESPECIALLY alr u ing 


a Specialty. 


Bel A. SeDOrt, M. 0. 


OFFICE IN CRISPE BLOCK. 


OFFICE HOURS: 9:30 to 12 a. m., 1:30 to 
4and 7 to8 p. m. 


Stilwell’s 5 and 


BAGGAGE WAGON IN CONNECTION. 


"PHONE NUMBER THREE. 


PLAINWELL, MICHIGAN. | EAST BRIDGE STREET. 


(0 Cent Store 


OF OE EE EE SE a 


Ed. J. Anderson 
The Place for Bargains. 
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW. 
q Cline Building, 2 Doors North of Post Office. <i 


Plainwell’s Poet Cobbler 


MILO CHANDLER 


Milo Chandler was a veteran cobbler in 
Plainwell. He served his apprenticeship 
under John Heath & Thomas Carroll in 1889. 
He worked at the same cobbler bench for 
56 years and passed away in 1936. He was 
a favorite with the children. What more 
can be said for a man? 


This poem was copied by Mrs. Chandler jam 


t 


from dog-earred cardboard in his shop 
after he passed away. 


Small butlding at the left 
was the location of 
Chandler's shop. 


"THE STRAIGHT ROAD" 


"Dad went as far as he could go 
Along the road wtth me, 

And tried his best the road to show, 
The journey yet to be. 


lS aces OS St = te ae pene 


Dad said, "I'm getting weary, son, 
And here I'll have to rest, 

You'll find new roads, but only one, 
The stratght road ts the best". 


I thought he meant the road of right, 
But more than that he meant, 
For many byroads came tn stght 
On every road I went. 
Of course I wandered now and then 
As youth will often do, 
But always found the straight road agatn, 
The road to get one through. 


And, sonny, when we come to where 
These legs of mine gtve out, 

You, too, wtll find the same road then, 
Your grand dad talked about. 


Remember what your elders satd, 
Who latd them down to rest: 

Whatever roads you find ahead, 
The stratght road ts the best." 


By: Mtlo Chandler 


The 
FLOUR MILL 
ERA 


In early America, locally ground 
flour was a way of life for all small 
communities. In Plainwell the mill 
race provided the power to grind the 
wheat into flour which in turn was 
made into bread by the local resi- 
dents. 

Bantly & Cor) bude thes farccieumeacials 

in 1864. This burned in two years 
and a new mill (shown at top) was 
built. This came to be the Merrill 
and McCourtie mill. 


John Eesely bought thts mill 
tn 1900 and thus Eesely enter- 
prises came tnto being. He 
dominated the milling industry 
throughout the era. 


Thts page sponsored by OTSEGO §& PLAINWELL LADY ELKS 
PLAINWELL LION'S CLUB 


THEN CAME THE FIRE... 
Plainwell's worst fire razed the Eesely mill tn 1932. 


Jy Ay’ 
D | r \ , 


‘a | if 
Lory . a 
Drew 5 Ausf 

ANDWICHES| F 


The butldtng 


burned completely to the ground, despite the efforts of ftre depart- 
ments from Kalamazoo, Allegan, Wayland and Otsego. 


It is interesting to note that the 
Eesely mill in Plainwell at one time 
was the second largest buckwheat in 
the country. It was known as 'Sun- 
shine Brand' flour. Eesley's flour 
was distributed throughout Michigan, 
Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio and 

other states. 


Eesley's second mill was located 
in the park and later moved to East 
Bridge Street. This mill is in 
operation today, grinding feed for 
local farmers and owned by the 
Dalrymples. 


Thts page sponsored by JENSEN'S SHOES §& CLOTHING, Plainwell, Michigan 


o 


OETICE 
RUCTION BILLS 
ANY OTHER Bris 


eae ae 
: Tw PLN NEWS, 


PLAINWELL'S NEWSPAPER 


THE LIVING RECORD OF PLAINWELL 'S GROWTH 


A continuous record of the 
human events of a town is 
essentially preserved by its 
newspaper. Plainwell's first 
was founded back in 1864 by 
pioneer journalist, John 
Madden, with his '"Plainwell 
Express''. In 1969, the paper 
is now the "Plainwell Enter- 
prise" with Charles Barrett 
its editor. 


At one time there were 
even two newspapers--"'The 
Plainwell Express" and ''The 
Twice-A-Week News". 


This page sponsored by ALFRED C. GRAHAM, Insurance, 114 S. Main St., Plainwell 
HODAPP'S GREENHOUSE, 934 E. Bridge St., Plainwell 


"Headlines of Yesteryear" 


Me 

PT Ma 
Hogg tatty ay 
MU lat ny UZ oad 


Oe Ma MOR ey 
COCA OST 


Baie Y) 


a 

Rn heats tye 
hayritiong? 
mde ee 


Wins thoy 
Finehtie 


ra. by 

mae Ch; [O05 i 

Bihn,, (ls Glen HO) 
id fi 


p» 
bh, 


Mig Alls 
Tome Pig 


Daag. ee 
bt 


UF fas hing 

wf fon 

Fate ning Phy 

ek PORE 
e 


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tte 
di bia k big 
iy Ws togl bgt | 
STO, asst he py, tag ND, Be y 
BN OK sey, ing th nit ai 
Re GO M yi E 
ao &c f op 
oe LC f | 


Platnwell's first journaltst 
John Madden and his wife relaxing 
tn thetr home many years ago. 


Calvin Cutler White purchased a section 
of land from the United States Land 
Office in White Pigeon Prairie, Michigan 
Territory in 1833. The land was pur- 
chased for $1.00 per acre with a land 
grant of $160.00 signed by President 
Andrew Jackson, dated October 10, 1833. 
Legend has it that the first night 

Mr. White spent on his land he slept 

in a hollow oak tree. 

On this land he built a log cabin, had 

a trading post and general store and 
named his property Plainfield. 

This was actually the first business 
venture in the Plainwell area. 

Calvin White traded in cattle, sheep, 
grain, song books, molasses, ox sleds, 
mutton, hats, thread, lumber, and cow 
bells. He tapped shoes, mended coats 
and vests, sold soft soap, bedding, salt 
and sugar. 

Five years after the purchase of the 
land, he built the "RED BRICK HOUSE" 

now known as the "RED BRICK TAVERN". 


1928, Charlte Richards pur- 
chased the property. He 
restored the building, re- 
modeling the intertor and 
making tt tnto a restaurant. 
in 1926 the "REDE REGIC 
TAVERN" was sold to Arthur 
Eberhardt who has continued 
the operation of thts fine 
old eating place. 


Plainwell Canning Company 


Herman and Dwight Harwood organized the Harwood 
Brothers Canning Company just before World War I 
and processed fruits and vegetables under the 


- PLAINWELL, MICHIGAN. 


Harbro label. About 1925 
the company was acquired 
by W. R. Pell and a 

Mr. Hare. Later Hare 
sold out to R. L. Gilkey. 
About 1945 all holdings 
were purchased by the 
Pell family. 


Murray 
Packing 
Company 


Paul Murray I 


AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK 1969. Citizen's State 


Bank until replaced by the new building. Before 


1900, this was the Patterson's and Clemen's 
Department Store. 


In the early 1900's Paul H. Murray, Sr., 
bought the meat market owned by Rueben 
Honeysett. He then organized Murray Pack- 
ing, wholesale meat distributors. They are 
located on llth Street, South of Plainwell 
on the County Line. 


Paul H. Murray II, continued the business, 
and passed away in 1969. It is now run by 
the third generation, Paul H. Murray III. 


Banks from 1874 to 1969 


FIRST BANK — 


NEW BANK opened tn 1955 


The Michigan Paper Company of Plainwell, 
as it was known until 1956, was founded 
in 1886. As a long-time producer of qual- 
ity catalog, book, writing, poster, and 
other papers, it has been the most pro- 
minent manufacturing establishment in 
the history and development of Plainwell, 
Michigan. 


The founders, a group of 25 local bus- 
inessmen, realized that their home town's 
natural resources were ideal for develop- 
ing a mill to produce quality papers from 
waste paper. The Kalamazoo River, with 
the connecting mill race, to provide a 
source of cheap power, and the proximity 
to Detroit and Chicago, both major print- 
ing markets and sources of raw materials, 
certainly must have influenced their de- 
cision to build the mill in Plainwell. 


Before the mill began production of its 
Eaesi pape karin sl OC) .iehtel Os teint smears 
president, Hale W. Page, who died on May 
17th of that year. However, the mill grew 
and prospered under the able guidance of 
H. P. Kauffer until the press of outside 
activities compelled Mr. Kauffer to with- 
draw as president. Following the election 


PAPER MILL 
IN EARLY 1900's 


Plainwell Paper Mill 


of J. D. Wagner as president in 1906, a 
contract was awarded for installation of 

a second paper machine. Combined capacity 
of the two machines was about 15 tons per 
day, with plans for additional expansion. 


By 1910, two more paper machines were in- 
stalled and with four more machines oper- 
ating - one 76", one 112", and two 130", 
the capacity was up to about 50 tons per 
day. During the course of the next few 
years, John Gilkey became the principle 
stockholder and was elected president. 


The Bradford Paper Company of Kala- 
mazoo (a coating mill), a customer of 
long standing for coating raw stock, was 
experiencing financial difficulties. 
This eventually led to the purchase by 
The Michigan Paper Company of the Brad- 
ford properties. The coating operations 
were continued in Kalamazoo until 1940, 
which an addition was constructed at the 
Plainwell mill to accommodate the coating 
operations. The coating department was 
discontinued in 1948 due to high oper- 
ating costs and increased competition. 


In 1946 the No. 4 paper machine was 
completely rebuilt and resulted in in- 


a 


‘Ohe Nlichigan Paper Company 
of Plainwell, Nlichigan. 


WHITE AND COLORED BOOK PAPER 
NON-FADING POSTER AND FRENCH FOLIO 
CATALOGUE PAPER, DRUGGISTS’ ROLLS 
AND INTERLEAFING BLOTTING 


creasing the capacity of the mill to 
about 90 tons per day. Dwight L. Stoc- 
ker, now president, conducted negotia- 
tions with the Booth Newspapers and 
Evening News Association of Detroit, 
which eventually led to the sale of 

the outstanding stock to these news- 
paper publishers. 


As a result, the mill converted part 
of its facilities to the production of 
newsprint from waste paper. 


Dwight Stocker resigned in 1952 to 
accept the presidency of The Kalamazoo 
Vegetable Parchment Company, and Allan 
B. Milham was elected president at Plain- 
well. February, 1954, was when all out- 
standing stock was acquired by W. C. 
Hamilton & Sons, and The Michigan Paper 
Company of Plainwell became a wholly- 
owned subsidiary of the Hamilton organi- 
zation. The spring of 1955 saw the re- 
tirement of Allen Milham, and L. D. Nichol- 
son was elected president of the Plainwell 
subsidiary. 


Finally, after being on the business scene 
for over /0 years, The Michigan Paper Co. 


of Plainwell was dissolved as a separate 
corporation on December 31, 1956, and be- 
came the Michigan Division of Hamilton Paper 
Company. 


In 1961 the Weyerhaeuser Company acquired 
the Hamilton Paper Company, with plants in 
Miquon, Pennsylvania, and Plainwell, to be- 
gin their first operations within the paper 
industry, Since that time, Weyerhaeuser has 
acquired the Crocker, Burbank and Company 
Association, Fitchburg, Mass., and has built 
a new mill in Plymouth, North Carolina to 
form a Paper Division. 


Aware of the need to protect the environ- 
ment, programs to combat air and water pol- 
lution have already made strides. A most 
modern secondary treatment plant has been 
in operation for two years to protect the 
Kalamazoo River, a boiler addition was made 
in 1968 to minimize the emission of smoke 
and provide added steam capacity. 


Weyerhaeuser is proud to be part of Plain- 
well's past and hopes to grow and prosper 
with Plainwell in the future. 


New Of ftce 
and Additton 
1969 


About 1915 


DOCTORS OF THE PAST 


DR. CICERO M, STUCK, ONE OF PLATNWELL'S PIONEER 
DOCTORS. A rough, but kind, country doctor who 
worked around-the-clock for his patients. He 
was born in Otsego in 1854. He began his prac- 
tice in Plainwell in 1886 and remained until his 
death in 1930. 


In the Plainwell Hillside Cemetary 
stands a somber marble replica of 
DR. STUCK'S eight year old son. 
The grief-stricken doctor had the 
statue imported from Italy upon 
the boy's untimely death in 1895. 


DR. ORRIN F. BURROUGHS, JR. 

Born and raised in Galesburg, Michigan, is following 
his father's footsteps. Dr. Burroughs graduated from 
the University of Michigan. He was a very active and 
athletic individual that stood up well under the hard 
life of the country doctor. He practiced in Plain- 
well 43 years and passed away in 1928. 


DR. PETER H. ONONTIYOH 

whose English name was Martin, 
was born in Tuscarora Township, 
Brant County, Canada, November 3, 
1859, on the Six Nation Reserva- 
tion. He graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Buffalo in 1885 and 
bought a ticket west (as far as 
his money would permit), late 


sfx fia ffi: 2. af: aft ain ai afi. afta. that same year. In 1887 with 
$10.00 capital he and Lillie 

Q.f. Rurreaghs, M.0- Steele were married. He prac- 
ticed in Plainwell 35 years and 

Corner of MAIN passed away in 1924. 


ALLEGAN Sts. 


Office, Phone 43—2 rings; House, 43—Srs. 


FF 


This page sponsored by PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE OF PLAINWELL 


J. WOODHAMS 
D. oF Ss. 


Tolephono—Olice No, File 
,Rosldence 07k, ‘ ’ 


Office in CRISPE BLOCK, 
- Room No.1. | 


C. 


DR. WILBUR C. MEDILL 

This community owes a debt of 
gratitude to Dr. Medill. Most 
small towns are not fortunate 
enough to have as capable a 
surgeon as Dr. Medill. Born 
August 1, 1893, in Stubenville, 
Ohio, he came here in 1927 
through the invitation of the 
local druggist Henry Mesick. 
Dr. Medill passed away in 
March of 1969. He is missed 
by many. 


Some Plainwell Doctors of Longstanding 


Thts page sponsored by MARSHALL §& GREN FUNERAL HOME, Plainwell, Michigan 


FR, W. R. VAUGHAN, moved to Plainwell 
ig USI 
to serve two years in World War I. He 
retired from active practice this past 
year. He is one of the many "World 


EARL DALE SMITH, D.V.M. 

Born June 24, 1888, at Smith 
Corners, Michigan. Attended 
M.S.U. and graduated from 
Connell Ene lo 20. Dr. Smaith 
arrived in Plainwell and is 
still serving the community. 


He interrupted his practice | 


Travelers" in Plainwell. 


DR. G. E. RAMSEYER, 
came to Plainwell 
right after the 
Eesley Mill Fire 

ine 9S2.0 Hey has 
practiced here 
since that time. 
His practice is 
located on East 
Bridge Street. 


KALAMAZOO GAZETTE, Kalamazoo, Michigan 


School Days 


Punishment administered-- 

".,.A thorough and sound thrashing". 
Instruction was varied...and con- 

sisted of reading, penmanship, physi- 

cal geography, United States history 

"sood morals". 

The terms started in September, 

January, March and June. This ac— : 

commodated the farm boys who had to 

be available for both planting and 

reaping. 


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Lapeer y Yi 
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BOS oy, 
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The 'WHITE SCHOOL HOUSE' shown 
above was Platnwell's first 
school butlding. 


Bridge Street Elementary School tn 1910, and still 
in use. 


'Lefty' Lundqutst and 

Martha Crtsp ‘breaking 

ground’ for new Gilky 
o,  eeaie ry School, 


This page sponsored by TOWNE §& COUNTRY MARKETS, INC., Kalamazoo, Michigan ey: 
PLAINWELL DECORATOR'S, East Bridge St., Plainwell, Michigan 


Plainwell's first high 
school (above), known 

as the Union, was built 
in e730) Lie had isax 
separate departments, 
seven teachers and 283 
pupils the first year. 
In 1920 Plainwell built 
their second high school 
on Hill Street. The 
cost was $175,000.00. 
This building is pre- 
sently used as an ele- 
mentary school. Our 

‘ ghee new ultra-modern 
ie ee high school was built 
meee = in 1961 on Starr Road. 


STARR ROAD HIGH SCHOOL 
(a@ far ery from the one 
room school house) 


Thts page sponsored by R. LOU VAN BRUGGEN, Builder § Contractor, Plainwell, Michigan 
PLAINWELL PLUMBING § HEATING, Plainwell, Michigan 
FIRST NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY of Kalamazoo 


FIRE 
DEFARTMENT 


Plainwell's Fire Department was 
organized in 1856 making it the 
OLDEST FIRE DEPARTMENT in south- 


ak # WT é ae Uk. a at 2 aA ° ° 
from left: R. Workman, B. Riley, F. Bittenbender, Lies fee ee 
B. Lent, F. Standish, J. Bellingham, E. Crawford, fn Loi dae Ede Geparstem@: oon- 
E. Spetlmaker, & Harley Platt. sisted of two hose companies and 


a hook and ladder company. Each 
hose company had 20 members whose 
job it was to manually harness up 
and pull the hose carts to the 
fire. At the fire they would 
attach their hose to the nearest 
water hydrant. Competition be- 
tween hose companies in various 
local towns was common in early 
days and Plainwell's company held 
the record for the fastest time in 
covering a given distance with 
their cart. The hook and ladder 
company, located where Gores Sales 
now stands, consisted of 30 men. 
The hook and ladder wagon was 
drawn by horses, kept on-the-ready; 
harnesses suspended over them in 


Platnwell's first fire truck 1920 Maxwell Sue See ee eee ee SEES LESS 
urchased for $1,475.95 rapid harnessing. Old timers 
P 2 tell us that when the fire bell 


rang the horses immediately sensed 
the excitement of the situation 
“\ 


oT me 
4 fs 


se 


Plainwell's second ftre truck Farr's almost lost thetr home 


This page sponsored by JOHNNIE JOHNSON'S GULF SERVICE, 760 N. Main St., Plainwell, Michigan 
HOOGERHEIDE of KALAMAZOO, Casket Distributors, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
MACCABEES - ISLAND HIVE, Plainwell, Michigan 


and pranced and snorted, anxious 

to go. 

The hook and ladder company and 

the hose companies would meet at 
the fire and each perform its job. 
Because all buildings in the 

early days were wooden construc- 
tion, heated by wood burning stoves 
and lighted by kerosene lamps, fire 
was always a greatly feared threat. 
Scattered throughout the town 

were alarm boxes which when acti- 
vated sounded the alarm in the fire 
department. 

When the three story Lawrence 

house was built, the fire depart- 
ment found that their ladder was 
too short to reach the roof. A 

new ladder with tripods was pur- 
chased. This proved to be a wise 
move since the beautiful old hotel 
suffered three fires during its 
history. 

Today, fire in Plainwell would be 
attended to within minutes by large 
efficient trucks loaded with fire 
fighting equipment. If serious 
enough, trucks from adjoining towns 
would be speeded to the scene. 


= ° al 
[mee oa See. 


Many beautiful trees were lost here 


Thts page sponsored by 


| CITY oF FIRE DEPARTMEN 


p 
(anne o 


rs 


FIRE DEPARTMENT 
NT GUNPLAMy 


6 


\ : TOWNSHIP 


: _ 


CITY OF PLAINWELL, MICHIGAN 
Police Department...Fire Department | 


FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 

The history of the Baptists of Gun Plain 
Township dates back to the year 1833. 
The first church building was erected 

in 1865. The first minister was 

John Fletcher, 1865. The present 
minister is Sidney Hawthorne. 


FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

Area Methodists first met in the Silver 
Creek settlement in 1836. The first 
church building was erected in 1869. 
The Plainwell Methodist Church cele- 
brated its centennial this year 

(1969), too. The first minister 

was Ira R. A. Wightman. Emerson 

Minor is the present minister. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

The Presbyterian society of Plainwell 
(Plainfield) was first organized in 
1837. A new house of worship was 
completed in 1872. This building is 
still being used. An H. H. Morgan 
was pastor in 1871. The present 
minister is Rev. Arthur C. Freet. 


FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 

The Faith Baptist Church was organized 
in 1966. Groundbreaking ceremonies 
for a new church were held in July 
1966 with actual construction start- 
ing in March 1967. The first worship 
service in the completed church was 
held in March, 1969. Rev. Preble Cobb 
is the minister. 


This page sponsored by SCHAFER BAKERIES, INC., Kalamazoo, Michigan 
HARDING'S FRIENDLY MARKET, Plainwell, Michigan 


CALVARY CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH 

The Calvary Christian Church was 
organized in 1963. Ground breaking 
ceremonies for a new church building 
were held August, 1964. First worship 
service in the new church was held in 
December, 1964. Pastor Gordon Guerink 
has been the minister since the 
beginning of the church. 


ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
Organization of the St. Stephens 
Episcopal Church took place in 1958 
with Rev. Burns K. Seeley as minister. 
In October 1968 construction was 
started on a new church building. 
Dedication services took place in 
January, 1969. Father Nelson 

Skinner is the minister. 


ASSEMBLY OF GOD 

The Assembly of God church was 
organized in July, 1946. The con- 
gregation moved into their new church 
building in September, 1952. 

Rev. Clark Brown was the minister 

in 1946. The present minister 

is Rev. Edgar Kent. 


JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES 

The Plainwell Congregation of Jehovah's 
Witnesses was formed in early 1963. 

The Kingdom Hall was constructed and 
completed just recently by the group 
themselves. The presiding minister 

and overseer of the congregation is 

Mr. Duane Hassing. 


Thts page sponsored by INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, Kalamazoo, Michigan 
PLAINWELL SANITARIUM, INC., Plainwell, Michigan | 


| ST. MARGARET'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 

The first Catholic church was pur- 
| chased from the Presbyterians and 
| moved from north of town to Sher- 
wood Avenue and renamed St. Agnes. 
As there were more parish members 
in Otsego, St. Agnes was sold and 
a new church was built in Otsego 
and in 1906 burned down. History 
tells of several churchs burning 
and being rebuilt at the same site. 
In 1960 a new parochial school and 
convent was built on S. Farmer St. 
with an enrollment of 210 pupils. 


Priests who served the 
Catholic church were 

Ee Ohm OM Sheyane bree 
Germaine Thomas, Fr. 
McKenna and presently 
Fr. Schneider. (at left) 


WILLIAM CRISPE HOSPITAL 


By 1927, a 10-bed building was erected, to be 
followed in 1930 by a 6-bed addition, plus 
nursery and operating room. 

Community needs required 9 additional beds 
and a rebuilt nurses station by 1941. 

Then, in 1961, the building and site became 
the Senior Citizens Home, carrying the name 
William Crispe Community House, Inc. 


Property was left by Katherine 
Crispe Havens to build a hospital, 
later augmented by a trust fund 
of the William Crispe estate. 


This page sponsored by LEHMAN'S WELDING §& TIRE SHOP, Plainwell, Michigan 
JAY LAMONT ROBINSON, Plainwell, Michigan 


CHARLES RANSOM LIBRARY 

The Ransom Library was once the home of 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Ransom. When 

Mrs. Amanda Ransom died in March, 1917, 

she left the generous bequest of her home 
for library purposes. After being accepted 
by the village Board of Trustees as it was 


\ 


Ny 


a 


to be maintained by taxation, the library 22 
was dedicated May 31, 1918. A library report FI Z 
of 1918 lists 3,286 volumes on hand at =-= 


that time. 


CHARLES A.RANSOM PUBLIC LIBRARY- PLAIN WE 


The Charles Ransom Library was 

not the first in the community. 

In 1868 an organization known as 
the Ladies Library Association 
was formed here and furnished 
books for its members. A 
publication in the year 1889 lists 
122 books offered for circulation. 


Site 
PP 
COMMUNITY HosPits 


oon eMC 


Progress tn the form of 
widening streets, a faster 
way of life chtpped away at 
the value of fountain then 
came the acetdent in April 
1953 that wrote the final 
chapter tn our Fountains 
history. 


the FOUNTAIN 


From 1907 to 1958 this 
beauttful concrete structure, 
willed to us by local Banker 
George G. Soule, stood guard 
at the tntersection of 
Plainwells five tnecoming roads, 
offering water for thirsty 
horses and dogs as well as 
betng a shelter and 

fountatn for travelers and 
local restdents. 

During tts htstory tt 

weleomed home our boys from 
two World Wars and the Korean 
Conflict. It's a land mark 

we truly mtss. 


sal Nila wee 


J. F. Eesley, of Plainwell, Michigan, agrees to convey by a good 
and sufficient warranty deed to Ingraham & Travis, all of the 
land on the south side of Bridge Street and through to Clinton 
Street, recently occupied by the J. F. Eesley Milling Company's 
buckwheat mill and used in connection therewith, in consider- 
ation that the village of Plainwell shall cause to be made and 
maintained a public park out of the lands now owned by it, David 
Brown and wife, and Ingraham & Travis, on what is known as the 
flat iron in the village of Plainwell. And the said J. F. Eesley 
agrees to and with the said village of Plainwell to fill in what 
was formerly the basement of said mill with what surplus dirt 

he has from the J. F. Eesley Milling Company's property or plant 
which is now occupied by said buckwheat millon the east side in 
said village of Plaimwell. And I the said John F. Eesley agree 
to convey to the said village of Plainwell, by a good and suf- 
ficient deed of conveyance, the said land so owned by Ingraham & 
Travis as soon as it is conveyed to me by them, to have and to 
hold the same unto the said village of Plainwell so long only 

as it shall be used as a public park and maintained by said 
village as such. Such filling in of such basement to be made 

to the extent only of what surplus dirt there is as afore- 

said. 


To the Village of Plainwell. 


_. 


Plainwell was from the start 
one of the few small wtllages 
that saw the need for beauty 
within tts boundries. Hence 
the honor tf at one time 
being know as the pretttest 
Little village in Michigan. 
The park property was obtained 
by a trade in 1903 made by 
our village to John Eesley. 
ft was named after our first 
Mayor, Joseph Hicks. 


Park's Band Stand, butlt 1920 in honor 
of our World War 1 dead. Removed in 1959 


The mtll stream (race) lent tt's 
tranquility to the park. 


This page sponsored by E. J. HART - Jeweler, Plainwell, Michigan 
RICHARD S. CUTSHAW - Realtor, Plainwell, Michigan 
A-1 DISPOSAL, INC., Plainwell, Michigan 


| 


l Heritage 


Ica 


Plainwell’s Mus 


ED, 6: 


i 
A 
: 
: 
rY. 


SOME PICTURES OF MARCHING BANDS FROM PLAINWELL'S PAST 


HERE ARE SOME RANDOM PHOTOS OF 
SOME OF OUR MUSICAL GROUPS. 

DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANY OF THE 
MUSICIANS? 


Thts page sponsored by MICHIGAN GAS UTILITIES COMPANY 
KOSTER'S 5¢ §& 10¢ STORE, Plainwell, Michigan 
KAY'S VARIETY STORE, Plainwell, Michigan 


PINE LAKE CLUB 


Plainwell’s First 
‘Country Club’ 


The early residents of 
Plainwell enjoyed excellent 
hunting and fishing. The 
country-side abounded 

in wild game and the streams 
and lakes had seldom seen 
hook or line. We can well 
imagine the difference 
between the remoteness 

Of eMart welulelcimtsinacits 
"Fishing Club" at Pine Lake 
to the cottage studded, 
motor boat infested Pine 
Lake that we know today. 


Thts page sponsored by ECREMENT TIRE SHOP, 201 East Bridge St., Plainwell, Michigan 
SATELLITE BURGERTERIA, 671 Allegan St., Plainwell, Michigan 
HILT'S GROCERY, Plainwell, Michigan 


Doster, Michigan 


The greatest change in Doster has 
been the exchange of the horse rail 
for the gas pump in front of the store. 


FREEMAN. FREEMAN. 


Hose Suocine ENERALR Gpaik, 


In 1861, the store at Argenta (now 
known as Silver Creek), was owned and 
operated by Archibald Jameson, and in 
1900, was purchased by Frank Buxton. 
The Post Office for that area was also 
in this store. 


Thts page sponsored by JAKE'S TIRE SERVICE, 777 North Main St., Plainwell, Michigan 
SHELP'S RESORT, Pine Lake #1, Plainwell, Michigan 
HOUSE OF YARN, 554 Allegan St., Plainwell, Michigan 


Hooper 


ORIGINALLY HOOPERSVILLE, ONE-TIME 
LOGGING CENTER OF GUN PLAINS. 


Fifty years ago, Hooper was a busy lum- 
bering camp on the banks of Gun River. In 
the foreground is the "corduroy" road, 
built of logs and bark from trees, over 
the undrained muck lands surrounding Hooper. 


Logs floated down Gun River and hauled 
over Corduroy Roads; land now yielding 
EIchmecopsr. 


Hooper--For a small community of 20 or 
more families, Hooper has seen about as 
many history-making events in its half- 
century of existance as most of its larger 
city-neighbors. 


The little hamlet of today, conceded to 
be the largest onion shipping center in 
Michigan, originally was a lumber camp. 

It spent its y outh in prosperity when 

the saw mill was doing a boom business, 
reached a turning point when it was near- 
ly destroyed by fire, and has settled into 
a comfortable middle-age as the center of 
a rich farming area. 


The town, originally called Hooperville, 
was named for William Hooper, who settled 
in the heavily timbered swamp land to 
operate the first saw mill in the section. 
In 1887, he was joined by Joseph Deal, to 
whom is credited most of the development 
of the town and the moving of the saw mill 
a mile east on the bank of Gun River. Deal 
also built the large 15-room boarding house, 
used by the lumbermen, which was the only 
house to survive the disastrous fire of 
1913, and still stands today as the town's 
largest and oldest building. 


That the surrounding muck lands were any- 
thing but a hindrance to lumbering was not 
apparent to the early settlers in Hooper. 
Elm, ash, and maple trees covered the high- 
er lands, and the present onion, sugar beet, 
and celery fields were undrained swamps. 


Hooper was reached by a "corduroy" road, 


one made of poles and bark to keep wagons 
and carriages from sinking into the mud. 


Thts page sponsored by PLAINWELL VAULT §& CEMENT PRODUCTS CO., 954 E. Bridge, Plainwell 
GROUND BEEF SHOP, 626 North 10th St., Plainwell 


The logs were cut, loaded on oxen-drawn 
wagons, and taken to Gun River, to be fl- 
oated down to the mill. There they were 
made into barrell headings, barrels, and 
staves, as well as lumber. 


The lumber camp was a wide-awake comm- 
unity during the boom days. Boxing and 
other athletic events were often held. 

One of the favorite pastimes was the hold- 
ing of "court", in which fines were asses- 
sed in order to fill the community tobacco 
box in the mess hall. Almost any offense, 
from being late to dinner to an imagined 
slight, was "criminal'' when the supply was 
low, and the victim was good-naturedly 
brought before the judge, tried, and fined 


his surplus tobacco. A "not guilty" verdict 


was practically unknown. 


Lumbering came to a sudden and specta- 
cular end in September 1913, when fire 
destroyed most of the settlement. The 
blaze started when sparks from a passing 
gravel train set fire to cat-tails and 
tall grass along the railbed, and roared 
rapidly into the clustered wooden houses. 


The day's events stood out well in the 
memory of Elmer Witt, who was born in 
Hooper and who lived in the vicinity all 
his life. There were probably fewer peo- 
ple in Hooper that day then ever before, 
since most of the lumbermen were working 
on the newly acquired farm of Joseph Deal 
several miles away when the fire went out 
of control. 


By the time they arrived to help the few 
men, frantically fighting the conflagra- 
tion with little equipment, the village 
was doomed, in spite of later assistance 
from the Kalamazoo fire department. 


Houses were bared of their furnishings, 
but to little avail, since there was not 
a safe place to put them and nearly every- 
thing was lost. 


The fire smouldered nearly two weeks as 
the residents attempted to reconstruct 
their community. Only the saw mill, which 
had seen the last day of operation and the 
Deal boarding house remained with which 
to start building anew. 


As the lumbermen abandoned the town, a 
new element arrived with farmers who saw 


a future in the black soil of Gun swamp. 
In 1915, Deal started a petition for the 
dredging of Gun River, and the completed 
project resulted in the stream's being 
straightened to eliminate three miles to 
every one, and widened to between 25 and 
30 feet. With subsequent draining of 
the swamp and development of the fields 


The saw mill near Hooper was operated 
by Witt, who supplied most of the onion 
growers with crates. During the grow- 
ing and shipping season, the air is heavy 
with the smell of onions. From the high- 
ways, orderly fields of muck crops stretch 
away for miles, divided by semetrical 
windbreaks. 


Thts page sponsored by PLAINWELL CANNING COMPANY, E. Bridge St., Plainwell 
EDMUND JANKE, Builder, Plainwell, Michigan 


Past and Present City Officials... 


Ig Ik INOOG. 
First Village Marshall 


Mitehel Estes 
Village Nightwatch 


Gerald Brown 
First City Mayor 


Joseph Htcks 
First Village President 


George Platt 
Village Nightwateh 
and Deputy Sheriff 

of Allegan County 


— 


This page sponsored by WEST SIDE STANDARD, 551 W. Allegan St., Plainwell 
JIM KOESTNER PONTIAC-BUICK, 218 N. Main St., Plainwell 
PAUL'S BARBER SHOP, 135-1/2 N. Anderson, Plainwell 


Asst. Chief Herman 
Kenyon joined the 
dept. in 1920. Fire 
Policeman Platt, who 
joined in 1910, re- 
calls when he ran 
with other members 
of the department to 
pull the hose cart 

to fires. Ernest Ken- 
yon, Plainwell Police 
Chief, became a mem- 
Dereon the Una t 
ELLOS 


is 


Russell King 
Chtef of Police 


Thurl Cook, 
Frank Buxton, 
at City Hall 


he 


r 


Beep ZZMAzMo 


en) 


Lineoln Dupon 
Fire Chief 


2 
i 
g 


Harold Frye 
Chtef of Poltce 


MORE 
OLDTIMERS 


School Custodians 


we. 
SAL et th UN, a Mi 


Bridge Street School 1910 


ate us cf 


Platnwell Htgh-late 1800's 


if 


a ee ay . ae 


Bridge Street School 1912 


Christmas - 1908 


Plainwell High 1921 


Minar School 1894 


we 


# ‘ees 33 .” 


ese 


All Ready for the Long 


Matin Street, 
looking south 


This page sponsored by GLESS SERVICE, Standard Oil Products, Plainwell, Michigan 
GRAY ROSE SHOPPE, Claribel Yerden, 120 S. Main St., Plainwell 
DEAN'S ICE CREAM, Riverside Creamery, Plainwell, Michigan 


Brtdge Street, 


looking west. 
Nottce old 


hotel. 


Bridge Street, 
looking west. 


Thts page sponsored by 


AMERICAN LEGION - 


a 


es or - 


C> 


(| 


BALOGE ST, LOOK AG WEST 


wilach Pan eu MAC 


vt vga ie 


WALTER MILLER POST #250, Plainwell, Michigan 
THE GARDEN'S MOTEL, Old US-131, Plainwell, Michigan 
NOONEY DRUG STORE, Plainwell, Michigan 


Shqpenrseyenessestt 


=, 
we 


Eesley Light Plant East side of North Main St. 


Fishing on The Kalamazoo Riper Main Street looking South 


Plainwell Bustnessmen's Ball Team West stde of South Main Street 
Early 1900's 


~ - = a ges 
ihe ‘ a ig 


‘age ae Y ves 


Park -Early Days Whoops, Fountain wrecked 


a oe ee : ; ; __ : ec cleae 
Hall House Poltee car tnto fountain 


Ford Runnabout Jatl Legton Boys marching 


sprinkling wagon used 
the road dust down. 


PZ 


Ranch. Edward G. Wilson build this cabin in the » 
Fall of 1832. The family had $2.50 left’ after’ f 
easy thetr winter supplies. a ete. 


etal 


Intertor of Platnwell Cafe First Ave West of North Main 


y . 


io +a 


£ 


Hill Street looking West from Hicks Ave, Lodge Members | 


vias Secon 3 


n Street West from the Race B 


y * cs 


Allega ridge 


ENS 


J. V. ROGERS 
First Worshipful Master of 
Plainwell Lodge No. 235, F.& A. M. 


Brother Rogers was the first master of Plainwell Lodge No. 235. 
He first served as Master in 1867. In all, he was Master for nine 
years, 1867, 1868, 1869, 1871, 1873, 1874, 1884, 1885 and 1886. 
In the infancy of this Lodge he gave the benefit of his knowl- 

ss = edge and efforts, and without a doubt was one of the key fac- 
= SSeS See 


os : tors in the early success of the Masonic Movement in Plainwell. 
Looking down Sherwood Avenue 


This page sponsored by THE AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK & TRUST COMPANY OF MICHIGAN 


The Angle Steel Company was 
founded by Charles and Anna 
PhO wp Onsego wf 1900. ie 
was moved to Plainwell tn 
1915. The company ts a 

= -- manufacturer of office and 

y, school furniture. Angle Steel 
suffered a tremendous loss 

by ftre tn March of 1967. 

The Company has rebutlt new 
butldings and 1s now owned 

by the Gulf and Western 
Corporatton. 


Ortginal butlding in Platnwell 1915 Tratlers made for army 1942 


This page sponsored by DR. & MRS. RALPH W. THOMAS, Plainwell, Michigan 
DR. §& MRS. J. PONE, Martin, Michigan 


POSTMASTERS AND DATE APPOINTED 


Cyrenus Thompson 
Erlando Weed 
John Anderson 
John Hughes 

Olson D. Dunham 
John H. Lasher 
George C. Mills 
John H. Lasher 
George C. Mills 
Ebenezer Brigham 
Milo E. Gifford 
Elt Hart 

Ustick O. Krause 
Milo E. Gtfford 
Frederick A. Hayes 
John Crispe 
Jacob V. Rogers 
Ogden Tomlinson 
Charles C. Rogers 
Frank P. Heath 
Ernest J. Chart 
John Blair 

Fred E, Heath 
George A. Ruddy 
Harold Prindle 
Stephen J. Doster 
Clark E. Nogle 
Leonard Lundqutst 


April 10, 1833 
Manet 26, L660 
Aprtl 19, 1836 
February 3, 1858 
March 23, 1856 
December 3, 1856 
September 5, 1857 
December 11, 1857 
June 25, 1860 
Mareh 25, 1861 
April 13, 1866 
October 2, 1866 
January 18, 1869 
October 12, 1869 
May 31, 1870 
December 5, 1876 
March 3, 1887 
February 24, 1891 
August 2, 1894 
August 8, 1898 
February 20, 1912 
February 25,1916 
November 2, 1921 
February 1, 1934 
January 51,1949 
Apneiwos 1950 
August 51, 1956 
January 1, 1958 


Blis4A2 East Slide Blain wiy wumiwew, aasow 


Butlding at far left was Platnwell's ortginal Post Office 


This page sponsored by RED BRICK TAVERN, Plainwell, Michigan 
THOMAS O. MILLS, General Insurance, Plainwell, Michigan 
EDWARD READ BARTON, County Supervisor District 2, Gun Plain Township 


ee 


top 


Bellingham House taken from 
1880 History 


Stage Coach Days 


Whttney Hotel 


ox 


ies 


The Old BOTSFORD HOME has been called "The Oaks" 
"White Memorial Home," "Del Vista" and now the 
Platnwell Sanitartum. A Mr. Stafford sold the 
ground to Dr. Peters. A large house was moved 
here from the Arnold Farm. J.E. Botsford of 
Kalamazoo owned the property and christened it 
"The Oaks." It was the 
eenter of many soctal 
activities since the 
early settlers came. 

At Botsford"s death|tt 
became the "James White 
Memortal House." 


Wa se 


, 
a 
i 


rm 


oe 


Newt Crowell Husband of Princess Red Feather John Miller-Dr.Vaughn Geo. Shepley (Uncle Sam) 
Platnwells lady Indtan Doctor. 


Harley Platt, Ray Honeysett, Geo Wright, Geo Roemer Edward Pierce 
Erv. Harwood, Earl Crawford (former Mayor) 


Ne Bg 


e 


Li LL, 


looking east 


Main Street; looking south 


Train crossing Main Street 


ara 


Bridge Street 


This page sponsored by COFFEE SHOP, Plainwell, Michigan 
PLAINWELL LANES, Old US-131, Plainwell, Michigan 
TWIN FORD SALES, INC., M-89 West, Plainwell, Michigan 


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-) 


tag 


This page sponsored by CRESCENT TAVERN, Hooper, Michigan 
HOOPER SUPER MARKET, Hooper, Michigan 


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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 223 


- - - - 4 = ey 
(( HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES )) 


Offered by Representative Farnsworth and Senaton Byker 
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION FOR THE CENTENNIAL OF PLAINWELL, ALLEGAN COUNTY. 
WHEREAS, The City of Pkainwell cekebrates its Centennial in the week of August 10-16, 


1969, dating from £8 cnconrporation as a Village by Act 355 of 1869 of The Michigan 
Legislature, and approved with smmediate effect March 26, 1869; and 


OAR TART 


= 


WHEREAS, The Centennial also marks the Thirty-4ifth Anniversary of Plainwell's Legal 
entity as a Home Rule City wrth the March 12, 1934 filing with Michigan's Secretary of 
State of the official approval by the electorate, who cast 275 votes for, and 190 against 
Anconponation for a total of 465 votes; and 


WHEREAS, The area known originally as White Pigeon Prairie, derived from the name of 
a famed Indian chiefs, was settled originally by 4 uatters--homesteaders without Legal 
tthe until "squatters' rights" prevarked after the opening of generat Land sates by 
the Federal government. They were followed in 1831 by New York State pioneers and Later |} 
by others, attracted by lumbering development opportunity, favored by water power and 
transportation. In tun, other western trails migrants were encouraged to stay, and by 
1843 the first Log schoolhouse was neplaced by the first institutional building, the 
Litthe ned schoolhouse, where the Village Life focused in oldtune town meetings, church 
worship and civic and social Life flourrshed; and 


Sasha Sal ida Siig Coe SZC 


WHEREAS, A plank road carried enownous frecght of Lumber, faun produce and other : 
heavy trafic by wagons, until the 1868 opening of service by the Lake Shore and Michigan' ‘ 
Southern Raclhrwoad which brought further community impetus, and in 1872 the first paper 
mLe was established; and 


WHEREAS, Today Placnwell, famed as The Prettiest Little City in Michigan, 44 the 
gateway to the northern Michigan playgrounds in summer and to the southern Michigan 
touust areas in winter. Plainwell's Location on the beautiful Kalamazoo River and 
close to the Gun River, named Pash-Kish-e-gun by the Indians, offers a variety of 
Leisure necreation--in effect, a Littke Venice of Michigan accessible by PLarnwell's 
five bridges. This 44, tndeed, the pleasant Land whose herrtage bought by "bfood, 
sweat, tock and tears" of the Proneer Fanilies becomes the herrtage by 1969's PrLoneers 
of the Space Age to Pkainwell's future beneficiartes; now therefore be «t 


RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (THE SENATE CONCURRING), That by these 
presents a unanimous accolade of tribute ts given The City of PLainwell to celebrate her 
Centenntak gala and the gratifying achievements of her wonderful people, urdely known 
for their hospitakity and oldfashtoned, ever new, netghborliness that gives Michigan 
society a venerable and rich foundation; and be 4t further 


RESOLVED, That copies of this tribute be presented to PlLarinwell's Mayor, CouncriLmen 
and other City Fathers and to the Centennial Comnitteemen, in testunony of the esteen 
of The Michigan Legislature. 


Adopted by the House July 16, 1969. 
Adopted by the Senate July 17, 1969. 


Vie 


_=—_ (ler Clerk of the House of Representatives 


bp (4, ites 


yg yg 


PAPER FOR THIS CENTENNIAL BOOKLET 
MADE IN PLAINWELL AND DONATED BY 
WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY PAPER DIVISION. 


TEXT PAGES 70# KASHMIR. 


COVER 804 KASHMIR, 


Thts page ts respectfully dedtcated to 
all persons, organizations, businesses, 
ete., that we have fatled to inelude -- 


TONER 2G) VUNG ae. « 
To forgive divine. 


We wish to thank those who have made this 
book posstble by the generous loan of their 
historical pictures, those who have given 
thetr time and thought tn preparing the 
written matertal, and to everyone who has 
asststed in any way tn the preparation of 
thts book. 


THE CENTENNIAL BOOK COMMITTEE 


Mr. and Mrs. D. W. "Bill" Banks 
Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Buxton 
Drang Mrsky Ceci. Hagin 


Artwork and Layout - G. L. Rantz 


The Centennial perspective of looking back 
at things, events, but most of all, people, 
creates more than a pleasant nostalgia. 

To see the hardy faces, the hard living, 

of the forefathers through the pictures and 
writings only begins to convey 

the years of reward, 

but also those of struggle, pain, 

and almost unbelievable privation. 


If a Centennial does no more 
than to arouse an awareness 
of the preciousness 

of this God-given earth, 

then it will have fulfilled 

a good task, indeed. 


The contrast of yesteryear 

and next year 

coming together 

into a mosaic of today. 

The promise of a good land 
fulfilled over 100 years 

of blessing 

contrasts 

with the hopes and fears 

of the next 100 years to come... 


PLAINWELL AREA CENTENNIAL, INC. 


A Michigan corporation established on February 10, 1969 
with a scheduled termination date of October 1, 1969 


CORPORATION OFFICERS 


Robert L. Gren 
President 


Mrs. Francis Handley 
Secretary 


Phillip G. Areaux 
Vice President 


Mrs. Bea Pallett 
Treasurer 


CENTENNIAL OFFICERS 
AND DIVISIONS CHAIRMEN 


General Chairman—Robert L. Gren 

Treasurer—Mts. Bea Pallett 

Secretary—Mrs. Agnes Jackson 

Headquarters— Robert Meyers, Co-chairman 
Burton Cave, Co-chairman 


Revenue—W. Bill Banks, Chairman 
Historical Program 

Novelties Committee 

Concessions Committee 
Celebration Ball Committee 


Participation Women Division 
Celebration Belles 

Ladies Sunbonnets & Dress 
Promenade & Caravan 


Participation Men’s Division 
Brothers of the Brush Committee 
Men’s Hats & Tie Committee 
Kangaroo Court Committee 


Spectacle Ticket Division—Dr. David Koth, Chairman 


Ticket Committee 
Advance Sales Committee 
Patrons Ticket Committee 


Dr. Clifford Haff, Chairman 
Charles Buxton, Chairman 
Harold Brown, Chairman 
W. Bill Banks, Chairman 


Mrs. Joan Sleeman, Chairman 
Mrs. Judy Chaney, Chairman 
Mrs. Laural Areaux, Chairman 
William Sleeman, Chairman 
Mrs. Lona Lent, Chairman 


Earl Steinbeck, Chairman 
Truman Bleeker, Chairman 
Larry Trine, Chairman 

Bill Mc Clintic, Chairman 


Dr. James Sell, Chairman 
James Smalley, Chairman 
Mrs. Marsha Koth, Chairman 


CENTENNIAL COMMITTEES 
AND DIVISIONS 


Arrangements Committee 
Ushers & Gate Committee 
Audience Area Committee 
Nomination Committee 
Awards Committee 


Spectacle Division—Robert Mc Lelland, Chairman 


Scenario & Title Committee 
Cast Committee 

Properties Committee 
Construction Committee 
Grounds Committee 
Costume Committee 

Sound System Committee 


Publicity Division, Mrs. Arlene Hoag, Chairman 


Press Release Committee 
Radio & T.V. Committee 
Distributive Committee 
Speakers Committee 
Special Projects Committee 


Special Events Division— Donald Moody, Co-Chairman 
John Howard, Co-Chairman 


Merchants Committee 
Historical Windows Committee 
Parade Committee 

Music Committee 

Pioneer Event Committee 
Hospitality Center Committee 
Special Days Committee 
Traffic & Safety Committee 
Transportation Committee 


Street Decorations 
Fund Raising 

Legal Counsel 
Official Photographer 


Charleen Bailey, Chairman 
Dave Rickert, Chairman 
Dale Cook, Chairman 

Carol Smally, Chairman 
Marrian Cosgrove, Chairman 


Dorothey Dalrymple, Chairman 
Jim Sherrin, Chairman 
Dorothy Earle, Chairman 

Pet Janke, Chairman 

Dutch Schultz, Chairman 

Mary Shattuck, Chairman 


Roger Dixon, Chairman 

Jim Higgs, Chairman 

Richard Fulton, Chairman 

Rev. Emerson Minor, Chairman 
Jim Cowles, Chairman 


Lynn Jensen, Chairman 

Mrs. Beverly Freet, Chairman 
Charles Wycoff, Chairman 
Donald Agne, Chairman 

Mrs. A. Berry, Chairman 
Pipp Hospital Guild 

Don Moody, Chairman 
Harold Frye, Chairman 
Frank Urankin, Chairman 


Al Graham, Chairman 
Donald Pierce, Chairman 
Harry Beach, 

Ross Pahl 


City of Placuwell 


PLAINWELL @ MICHIGAN 
49080 


TO ALL OF THE CITIZENRY OF THE PLAINWELL AREA: 
Congratulations and Thank You! 


Congratulations on the tremendous job you did in helping to make Plainwell’s 
‘Birthday Party” a huge success. It was a huge success too, because each of you 
who participated, went all out to make it so. 


“Each of you” —this was the key that made everything work. This great 
Centennial Celebration was not the work of one, two, five or ten individuals, 
but it was the combined effort and cooperation of several hundred wonderful 
citizens of the Plainwell Area. Just about everyone was eager and willing to 
cooperate and help put this wonderful event together. You gave of your time 
and of yourselves more than anyone could ever dream possible, and the results 
spoke for themselves. 


Long before the actual week of the Celebration, it was clearly evident that 
Plainwell’s 100th Birthday Party was going to be something special. The Pattern 
of success began to form and all of the meetings, the ‘“‘midnight oil’? and the work 
began to pay off. And the three ingredients that stood out above everything else, 
was the fantastic cooperation, the enthusiasm and the willingness to work on just 
about everyone’s part. This was absolutely the greatest. Each of you deserve a pat 
on the back and give your neighbor one too. 


Richard Farr 
Mayor 
City of Plainwell 


OLD FASHIONED SIDEWALK SALES DAY 
Friday, August 8, 1969 


OLD FASHIONED SIDEWALK SALES DAY 
Saturday, August 9, 1969 


The Queen contest and a big day in itself just viewing 
the lovelies is all the excitement old men can stand in 
one day. They’ll never make it to the Centennial Ball. 


* Centennial Ball, 8 p.m. Conservation Club 
* Crowning of Queen at Centennial Ball. 


FAITH OF OUR FATHERS DAY 
Sunday, August 10, 1969 


While this whole week is mainly an attempt to have a 
really “fun week” today will be devoted to the rev- 
erent attitude which it so rightly deserves always 
giving thanks to our maker for the privilege granted 
us of being able to be here and enjoy it. 


* 7 a.m.—10 a.m. Dawn Patrol, Plainwell Airport 

* 10 a.m.—12 noon Church Observance 

* | p.m.—4 p.m. Ice cream social, Hicks Park 

* 7 p.m. Vesper Services, Gilkey Field, Dr. Fred 
Afman (former Resident), Speaker 
Mass Choir—from all churches, special music 


PROGRAM 


PIONEER AND HOMECOMING DAY 
Monday, August 11, 1969 


Oldest residents are strictly warned not to lie about 
their age. Today the ox team and cart tours will leave 
Hicks Park every hour on the hour. Al Graham will 
personally conduct the Abronia tour and point out 
the many spots of interest because it’s his old home 
town. Wanted: 6 ox teams and drivers. 


* Pioneer Registration, Plainwell Fire Hall, all day 

* Prizes: 1. Oldest man and woman with residence i 
Plainwell Area 
2. Pioneer from farthest distance 

* 6 p.m.—8 p.m. Picnic dinner, Hicks Park 

* 7 p.m. Sky Divers, Plainwell Airport 

* 8 p.m. Barbershop Singing, Hicks Park 


YOUTH DAY 
Tuesday, August 12, 1969 


This is the beach boys and muscle mens special day. 
West Bridge St. & North Main St. will be roped off 
and foot races will be held for people of all ages. Also 
sack races, potato races, 3 legged races and nose pea- 
nut pushing and pie eating contests. Entries will be 
accepted at any time and huge prizes given. 


* Special Athletic Events 10 am.—ll a.m. and 
2 p.m.—4 p.m., Hicks Park 

* 8:30 p.m. Spectacular Pageant with 250 local 
people, Gilkey Field, with John Doster State 
Champ giving his speak up speech. 

* 7 p.m. Youth Parade, Theme Western Movement, 
Prizes, Buck Berry, WOOD-TV 

* Carnival, all day, Fair Grounds W. Allegan Street 

* Featuring J. Vernon, Hobo Clown at the piano all 
week, downtown 


EVENTS 


LADIES DAY 
Wednesday, August 13, 1969 


Ladies Day. The Footnote says “sort of a quiet day”’. 
Did anyone ever see a quiet ladies day?? Or a quiet 
Lady?? Visitors should wear their ear plugs and be 
prepared to evacuate. 


* 9 a.m.—6 p.m. Clothesline Art Show, Hicks Park 
Paintings, ceramics, rock collections, and etc. 

* Carnival, Fairgrounds W. Allegan St., all day 

* 8:30 p.m. Spectacular, Gilkey Field 

* Featuring J. Vernon, Hobo Clown at the piano all 
week, downtown 


AGRICULTURE DAY 
Thursday, August 14, 1969 


Agriculture Day when old Nichols and Shepard 
threshing machines, will be displayed along with 
prize bulbs and big pumpkins. Farmers should wear 
their hats so they can be distinguished from the hogs. 
There will be a ladies hog calling contest in the park. 
They can use the same tone they holler to their hus- 
bands with only substitute “Sooey” for “Honey”. 


*9 a.m.—4 p.m. Display Hicks Park, old machinery, 
4-H, and others 

*2 p.m. Agriculture Parade, farm equipment, steam 
engines, tractors, and etc. 

* Carnival, Fairgrounds W. Allegan St., all day 

* 8:30 p.m. Spectacular, Gilkey Field 

* Featuring J. Vernon, Hobo Clown at the piano, 
all week, downtown 


ARMED FORCES DAY 
Friday, August 15, 1969 


* 9 am.—4 p.m. Display by the U.S. Army, Hicks Park 

* 8 p.m. Promenade, Hicks Park 

* Carnival, Fairgrounds W. Allegan St., all day 

*4 p.m.—8 p.m. Episcopal Church supper both, 
Hicks Park 

* Kangaroo Court 

* 8:30 p.m. Spectacular, Gilkey Field 

* Featuring J. Vernon, Hobo Clown at the piano 
all week, downtown 


CENTENNIAL DAY 
Saturday, August 16, 1969 


This is the last day (thank goodness) and everyone 
who has worked so hard on the centennial is ex- 
pected to drop dead under the stop light promptly at 
10 p.m. Oh well, it’s the last time for another hundred 
years and some of us might not be around by then. 


* 10 a.m. Centennial Parade 
wagons, old cars, horses, floats, bands, twirlers, 
bugle corps, you name it 

* 3 p.m. Beard Judging Contest, Hicks Park 

* 5 p.m. Box Social, Hicks Park 

* Baby Photo Contest crowned, Hicks Park 

* Carnival, Fairgrounds, all day 

* 8:30 p.m. Spectacular, Gilkey Field, Pageant with 
local people, John Doster, J.C. State Champ giving 
his speak up speech 

* Featuring J. Vernon, Hobo Clown at the piano 
all week, downtown 


PROMENADES 


July 18, 1969—Sing Along 7 p.m. Hicks Park 
July 25, 1969—Barbershop Sing 7 p.m. Hicks Park 
August 1, 1969—Banjo Player 7 p.m. Hicks Park 
August 8, 1969—Square Dance 7 p.m. Hicks Park 
August 15, 1969—Sing Along 7 p.m. Hicks Park 


CARAVANS 


July 19, 1969 Allegan, Gobles, Paw Paw 

July 26, 1969 Martin, Wayland, Hastings 
August 2, 1969 Richland, Galesburg, Augusta 
August 9, 1969 Portage, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg 


FREE PARKING LOTS 


Week of Centennial 


City of Plainwell West Allegan Street 
American National Bank & Trust Co. South Anderson Street 
City of Plainwell Banster Street 

Sun Theatre South Main Street 
City of Plainwell East Chart Street 
Marshall & Gren Funeral Home S. Woodhams Street 


FREE PARKING AT ALL METERS WEEK OF CENTENNIAL 


OFFICERS 


ROBERT L. GREN 
President 


PHILLIP G. AREAUX 
Vice-President 


MRS. BEA PALLETT 
Treasurer 


MRS. AGNES JACKSON 
Secretary 


DIV. HEADS 


ROBERT MEYERS 
Burton Cave 


Headquarters 
Chairman 


W. BILL BANKS 


Revenue Division 
Chairman 


MRS. JOANN SLEEMAN 
EARL STEINBECK 
Participation 
Division Chairman 


DR. DAVE KOTH 


Spectacle Ticket 
Division Chairman 


ROBERT McLELLAND 


Spectacle 
Division Chairman 


MRS. ARLENE HOAG 


Publicity 
Division Chairman 


DONALD MOODY 


Special Events 
Division Chairman 


Plainwell Area Centennial, Inc. 


Plainwell, Michigan 


As we celebrate during this week of August 10, 1969 the One-Hundredth Anniversary of 
our founding, we should take time to think of the fine heritage the past citizens of the 
Plainwell area left to our care. It is up to us as the present citizens to strive to do as well 
for the future. 


As we’ve grown over the years we have many things of which to be proud. Among these 
are the growth and improvements of our churches, businesses, school system, and streets. 
The latter of which used to be known as Plainwell Mud. 


Our goals since the start of the Centennial planning have been: to pay honor to our past: 
look at our present: think of our future: and join in with our neighbors and friends to 
work toward an end that would be not only fun and enlightening to all of us in the 
knowledge of our history, but also rewarding in the fellowship coming from working 
together. The response has been overwhelming as everyone has joined in and given much 
time and effort to make this a successful venture. In working on this project, I believe, 
we have increased our community pride and come to realize more than ever what can be 
accomplished by a town, large or small, when people work together. From this we have 


gained benefits that will go on long after the Plainwell Area Centennial celebration is over. 


We wish to welcome back “home” all of the former residents who have returned to join 
with us in this celebration and to all visitors we say, “Welcome, Neighbor’, and we hope 
you enjoy yourselves. 


To all the many people who have worked and taken part in the centennial, thank you and 
congratulations on a job well done. 


Sincerely, 


Dehurl dsr 


Robert L. Gren 


General Chairman 


Celebration Dates August 10 - 16, 1969 


* 


QUEEN’S GIFT LIST 


Style Shop 
133 E. Bridge Street 


Red Brick Tavern 
675 North US 131 


Plainwell Plumbing & Heating 


906 Miller Road 


Jensens Clothing 
134 S. Main Street 


Campbell Pharmacy 
120 S. Main Street 


Johnson Saddle Shop 
523 North 10th Street 


Vivian Woodard 
213 W. Hill Street 


Michigan Gas Utilities Co. 


Otsego, Michigan 


Hoag Hardware 
102 N. Main Street 


Lorraine Shop 
120 N. Main Street 


E. J. Hart Jeweler 
124 N. Main Street 


Angle Steel Inc. 
323 Acorn Street 


Consumers Power Co. 
108 S. Main Street 


Plainwell Decorators 
126 E. Bridge Street 


Sun Theatre 
131 S. Main Street 


Gores Sales 
141 N. Main Street 


Gray Electric 
141 N. Main Street 


Pearsons Marathon Station 
152 N. Main Street 


Soul Winners Service 
220 S. Main Street